Seniors, people with disabilities and other people with limited incomes are moving into 85 new affordable rental homes in Nanaimo as two housing projects open in the community.

“These new homes will provide much-needed safe, secure and affordable living for seniors and adults with disabilities,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “These projects will change lives, and I’m grateful to our community partners for working hard so more people have a place to call home in our community.”

In partnership with the Nanaimo Association for Community Living, 28 one-bedroom townhomes will open in mid-September at 3425 Uplands Dr. The project includes 12 accessible homes for people with developmental disabilities. Four full-time staff members will help support residents in their home and provide services according to each individual’s care plan. Monthly rents for these units will be $500. The remaining homes include a live-in manager's suite and 15 homes, with monthly rents at $880.

Fifty-seven affordable rental homes, including three accessible units, are also opening in mid-September for seniors at 77 Mill St. Operated by the Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society, the one-bedroom homes have monthly rents ranging from $935 to $1,135. Rents include services such as phone, internet, cable and laundry.

These projects are part of the more than 23,000 homes that are complete or underway throughout B.C. because of provincial investments made since 2017.

Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

Quotes:

Leonard Krog, mayor, City of Nanaimo –

“I want to congratulate all those involved in making these projects a reality and helping to create affordable rental homes for people in our community. I’m especially grateful for the support for adults with disabilities, and how this housing will help them to further thrive in our community.”

Randy Humchitt, deputy executive director, Nanaimo Association for Community Living –

“This project represents the continued evolution of services for people with diverse abilities; a movement towards inclusion and honouring that the people we serve want and deserve housing options that are as diverse as they are. For many clients, it is the realization of a lifelong dream; a home of their very own.”

Andrea Blakeman, chief executive officer, Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society –

“We are extremely fortunate to have partnered with BC Housing on this latest seniors’ project. We have worked diligently to enable these units to be offered at affordable rents with so many amenities included. Now more than ever, seniors need to be connected in every way possible with family, friends and services, and this project ensures even those at the most modest of income levels have access to those essential connections.”

Quick Facts:

• Funding for the project at 3425 Uplands Dr.:
  • The Province provided $4.9 million in capital funding and $1.9 million in construction financing.
  • The City of Nanaimo provided $95,000 in municipal waivers.
  • Nanaimo Association for Community Living provided the land.
• Funding for the project at 77 Mill St.:
  • The Province provided $8 million in capital funding and $3.3 million in construction financing.
  • The Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society provided the land.

Learn More:

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/

A backgrounder follows.